Celebrating the Holidays with Your Nanny

Follow these pro tips to make the season happy—and enlightening—for all.

BY SUE DOWNEY

Holidays are an important time for your family and your nanny, but taking the time to think ahead, discuss, and plan properly will help ensure your nanny feels appreciated and knows your expectations during the holiday season. This time of year can be hectic for all, so making a plan in advance will show your nanny just how much you care!

Celebrate together but know what you will share and what you will keep as private.

A nanny feels like part of your family, and it’s natural to want to share some holiday joy. The key here will be to let your nanny know when there are rituals or events that are just for family. Having a quick conversation before feelings get hurt will save everyone disappointment. On the other side, be understanding if your nanny wants to keep family life and work life more separate.

Show interest in your nanny’s culture.

Use this opportunity for your child (and you) to learn of other faiths, cultural celebrations, and ideas. Ask your nanny if they are happy to share some of this with you as a family. Show enthusiasm to embrace what is important to your nanny.

Talk about the nuts and bolts.

Around the holidays there will be excess family in the house, crazy schedules, and more stress. It is a good idea to check in with your nanny a few weeks in advance. Discuss any changes to the schedule, requested time off, and how to handle extra people in the home. In general, open the lines of communication. Find a way to laugh together through this often-stressful time.

Holidays are a time to show appreciation.

It is common for nannies to get a bonus or gift (or both) around the winter holiday season. A small homemade or thoughtful gift from the kids and another gift from you will show your nanny you appreciate their hard work all year long. If you choose to do a bonus, it’s usually one or two weeks of weekly pay. Other options to consider are a few days of paid time off, points to use for travel, or even gift cards to a favorite store or restaurant.